Principal Planning Officer | Swale Borough Council in Sittingbourne

Energy Jobline ZR; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking local authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to manage a diverse caseload and mentor junior staff. This role offers a competitive salary, a 34-hour working week, and a well-rounded benefits package, such as flexible working, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities. The Council prioritizes staff wellbeing and offers a collaborative environment to support personal and professional growth.

Benefits

34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays

Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

3 additional days leave over Christmas

£1,000 car allowance

Free parking

Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover

Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)

Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

Annual flu vaccination

Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support

Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays

Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Chartered membership of the RTPI or working towards it.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation including EIA Regulations.
• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• Collaborative approach to working with stakeholders and the wider community.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
• Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.

Skills

Chartered membership of the RTPI

Strong knowledge of planning legislation

Experience handling complex major applications

Excellent communication and mentoring skills

Collaborative approach to working with stakeholders

Job description

Job Description

Salary: £41,193 - £46,338 + £5,000 market supplement + £1,000 car allowance

Location: Swale Borough Council (Hybrid Working, two days per week in the office)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (34 hours per week, early finish Fridays)

We are proud to be working exclusively with Swale Borough Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority in Kent, to recruit experienced Planning Officers to join their newly established Planning Applications Team.

A Council that puts people first

At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. With a 34-hour full-time working week and early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday, the Council is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. This is further supported by a generous annual leave entitlement, which increases with service, plus an additional three days’ leave over the Christmas period when the offices close completely. Their flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm, is just one of the many ways they support their team.

Why now is the perfect time to join

It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind the Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the formation of a new Place Service—bringing together planning, regeneration, economic development and property—there’s a real sense of purpose and opportunity. The new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract top talent, and offers a collaborative, supportive environment where you can thrive. Swale’s strategic location within Kent and the wider South East, combined with its rich heritage, ecological assets, and diverse geography, makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in planning.

About the role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Swale’s diverse urban, rural, and coastal communities. You’ll:

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
• Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.

What you'll bring

• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it).
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations.
• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• A collaborative approach to working with stakeholders, Members, and the wider community.

Why join Swale?

Swale Borough Council offers a generous and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:

• 34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays
• Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time (7am–7pm)
• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
• 3 additional days leave over Christmas
• £1,000 car allowance
• Free parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover
• Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
• Annual flu vaccination
• Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
• Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays
• Professional payment (where applicable)
• Relocation support (if eligible)
• Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

Next steps:

If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, including gaining access to our dedicated microsite, receiving the JD/PS or just having a confidential chat, please get in touch with Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert.

Whilst the closing date for applications is legitimate, the council are open to speaking with suitable candidates as they apply before this date to ensure they don’t miss out.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.